Diabetes Drugs Being Tested For Anti-Aging Benefits

In mice testing Acarbose and Metformin were demonstrated to increase health, lifespan, and longevity of the animals. These two drugs are now being tested in monkeys that have a similar physiology, reproductive system, and aging pattern as humans, in research being conducted at Texas Biomedical Research Institute which is supported by a pilot grant provided by the San Antonio Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center.

“I think this type of research can change what life is like for geriatric people," said Corinna Ross, Ph.D, Associate Professor, Southwest National Primate Research Center at Texas BioMed.

“Were hopeful that some of these others that were testing will give us the right combination to delay aging.” Corinna Ross, Ph.D, Associate Professor | Population Health, Southwest National Primate Research Center

Studies have shown that these drugs alter the way that carbohydrates are digested, and it is believed that their activity can mimic calorie restriction, which is an intervention that has been proven to increase both longevity and healthspan in animal studies. 

“If we can come up with pharmaceuticals to help with that process then early life choices they may have made, they ate the cheeseburgers, they smoked, they didn’t exercise, we can hopefully correct that in adulthood to allow them to live healthy, individual adult lives.”

The research team is now working on gaining federal funding for a long term project that will be focused on the anti-aging effects of the popular Acarbose and Metformin medications.